Department of Sociology

1041 Langdale Hall
Tel: 404-413-6500
Fax: 404-413-6505
sociology.gsu.edu

Eric Wright, Chair
Jim Ainsworth, Director of Graduate Studies
Reginald Butler, Graduate Coordinator

The Department of Sociology offers three programs, the MA only professional program, the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree program for those who already have an M.A. degree, and the Joint Master of Arts (M.A.) and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D) degree program for those entering with a B.A. degree. These programs provide students with both a broad exposure to the discipline of sociology as well as in-depth study in special areas of expertise. Qualified students are accepted into the Joint M.A./Ph.D. Program after their completion of a baccalaureate degree or are accepted into the Ph.D.-Only Program after their completion of a master’s degree in sociology or a closely related field. The broad knowledge of sociology comes through coursework in a variety of substantive areas, as well as through training in research methodology, statistics, and theory. Most of the faculty’s interest and expertise lie in six specialty areas: (1) Family; (2) Gender; (3) Health; (4) Life Course, (4) Race and Ethnic Relations; (5) Sexualities; and (6) Urban Studies. We have one interdisciplinary concentration in urban spaces and geography with the geosciences department for students who wish to specialize in urban sociology and geography. The department’s approach is to enable students to apply sociological principles in a real-world environment and to foster a close working relationship between faculty and graduate students.

The goals of the Department are to provide: (1) a general intellectual foundation that supports the student’s analytic understanding of social life; (2) a sound methodological background that prepares the student for social research; and (3) a rich and specialized body of knowledge that equips the student for the practice of sociology in both the public and private sectors. Students are offered many opportunities to become actively involved in the discipline at the state, regional, or national levels. Applicants may obtain additional information about the Department of Sociology by contacting the Director of Graduate Studies at the address above.

Additional Admission Requirements

In addition to the general requirements of the College of Arts and Sciences, the Department of Sociology has the following requirements:

Students applying for the M.A. only program from a baccalaureate program:
- Applicants must submit scores on the verbal, quantitative, and analytical sections of the GRE.
- Applicants must submit three (3) letters of recommendation from faculty personally acquainted with the applicant’s academic achievements.
- Applicants must submit a sample of their written scholarly work (e.g., their term/research paper).
Students applying for the Doctor of Philosophy program from a baccalaureate program (Joint M.A./Ph.D. Track):
- Applicants must submit scores on the verbal, quantitative, and analytical sections of the GRE.
- Applicants must submit three (3) letters of recommendation from faculty personally acquainted with the applicant’s academic achievements.
- Applicants must submit a sample of their written scholarly work (e.g., their term/research paper).
Students applying for the Doctor of Philosophy program from a master’s program (Ph.D.-Only Track):
- Applicants must submit scores on the verbal, quantitative, and analytical sections of the Graduate Record Examination.
- Although a master’s degree in sociology is not required, only students who have an accredited master’s degree, in a closely related field, or who have nearly completed the master’s degree, will be considered for the Ph.D. program. Applicants should have completed master’s level coursework in research methods, statistics, and sociological theory. If they have not had these courses, they must complete them as additional courses prior to enrolling in Ph.D. courses in these areas.
- Applicants must submit three (3) letters of recommendation from faculty personally acquainted with the applicant’s academic achievements.
- Applicants must submit a sample of their written scholarly work (e.g., their Master’s thesis or term/research paper).